KL Rahul played another great quality innings when India needed him most, as the right-handed batter scored his eighth ODI century to help the hosts to manage a strong challenging total on a tricky Rajkot pitch.

It is the second game of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand on Wednesday (January 14), where New Zealand chose to field first while trailing the series by 1-0. 

Watch: What is meaning of KL Rahul’s whistle celebration after century in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

KL Rahul rescued Indian team in 2nd ODI

Although Indian openers Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill provided a positive start with a 70-run partnership for the first wicket, the hosts then found themselves at 118/4 by losing all top four batters, including the in-form and no.1-ranked ODI batter Virat Kohli (23).

From that pressure situation, KL Rahul strongly held the innings along with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rahul and Jadeja (27) had a 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and Rahul and Nitish (20) had a 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket.  

While both of his set partners were dismissed, Rahul stayed on the crease to the final ball of the innings, putting the hosts to a strong challenging position, as India managed to score 284/7 in 50 overs, thanks to Rahul's unbeaten 112 off 92 balls with 11 fours and one six. 

KL Rahul completed eighth ODI century in 87 balls

While Rahul completed his 50 runs in 52 balls with a four, he completed his eighth ODI century with a sixer in 87 balls, which happened on the final ball of the 49th over. It was the first century in international cricket by an Indian batter in 2026. Rahul ended the innings with a four, as he led the hosts to secure 12 runs in the final over of the innings. 

𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 😌

KL Rahul brings up his 8️⃣th ODI century to put #TeamIndia in a strong position 💪#INDvNZ | 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/mJ3SChcj3i pic.twitter.com/1zfq06ydH6

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 14, 2026